A day after a challenging debate that raised concerns about his age and fitness, US President Joe Biden's wife, Jill Biden, stood before donors at a New York fundraiser to offer an explanation. She revealed that the president had confessed, "'You know, Jill, I don't know what happened. I didn't feel that great.'" She reassured him that they would not let one 90-minute debate define his four-year presidency.

The president's debate performance, widely criticized and seen as a blow to his campaign, prompted doubts about Joe Biden's candidacy. However, his closest adviser, Jill Biden, expressed unequivocal support for his continued participation in the race. "When he gets knocked down, Joe gets back up, and that's what we're doing today," she emphasized.

Throughout his long career, Jill Biden has been a steadfast presence by her husband's side, providing guidance and serving as a decisive voice in his political choices. Her role as a close adviser holds significant influence in the president's decision-making process. Family matters greatly to President Biden, which further amplifies Jill Biden's importance, according to Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkop.

In addition to Jill Biden, other trusted family members such as his sister, Valerie Biden Owens, who served as his campaign manager during his Senate years, and his son, Hunter Biden, also play crucial roles as confidantes. Together, they recently discussed the fate of his campaign during a trip to Camp David, urging President Biden to keep fighting.

As concerns about the president's physical and mental stamina have arisen within the Democratic Party, all eyes have turned to Jill Biden for any indication that she may be questioning his candidacy. However, she has steadfastly continued to hit the campaign trail, recently making stops in crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Jill Biden's role as a trusted adviser is not uncommon in the White House. Nancy Kegan Smith, president of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education, draws historical parallels, pointing to past first ladies who provided invaluable advice to their husbands. For example, she highlighted Lady Bird Johnson, who convinced her husband, President Lyndon B. Johnson, to run for the White House in 1964 but later advised against seeking re-election in 1968.

While the first lady maintains a busy schedule, balancing teaching English at a community college with campaigning, she continues to be a strong source of support for President Biden. Their relationship endured challenges, including the president's proposal five times before she accepted, and the tragic loss of his first wife and daughter in a car accident, as well as the death of their son Beau in 2015.

Jill Biden's steadfastness has not gone unnoticed, but she has faced criticism for her praise of the president after his poor debate performance. Some Republicans have even accused her of "elder abuse," holding her accountable for his perceived weaknesses. However, former press secretary Michael LaRosa defended her, emphasizing that she is his spouse and not responsible for saving the Democratic Party.

Amidst the pressure and scrutiny, Jill Biden remains resolute in her support for her husband's bid for re-election. She stresses the importance of the campaign and the urgency in asking the American people to come together and take a stand against the current vitriolic state of affairs.

As the November election approaches, many are eager to see how Jill Biden's role as the president's closest adviser may shape his future decisions and influence the trajectory of his campaign.